17th March Programme
St Patrick’s Day brings a wealth of cultural festivities to the city with family fun activities, music, dance and of course our annual Spring Carnival Parade.
Saturday 17th March 2012
Guildhall Square :: Music Stage
Guildhall Square will come alive with the sounds of local performers providing a mix of traditional, folk and modern music throughout the day. A little something for everyone.
12.30 – 2.15pm: City Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann
After successfully winning the bid to bring the All Ireland Fleadh to Derry in 2013, Comhaltas Doire will kick start the St Patrick’s Day celebrations with a display of traditional Irish music featuring some of the city’s finest young talent.
3.30 – 3.50pm: Ibuki Taiko
3.50 - 4.00pm: Cantamus Choir
Performances by local groups including Ibuki Taiko, the first Japanese Taiko Drumming group in the North of Ireland.
(Funded by DCC Community Relations Programme)
4.00 – 4.30pm: Foyle Follies
Derry's own FiFi Fontaine, Candy Love and Heidi Chic take to the stage for a performance of musical comedy and cabaret .The ‘ladies’ are becoming one of the city’s best loved acts and have been delighting audiences across Northern Ireland for the past several years.
4.30 – 5.30pm: Paddy Nash & Enchiladas
Local favourite Paddy Nash and The Happy Enchiladas are building a reputation for their high energy music with no nonsense lyrics. Their unique blend of Folk-Pop-Punk is perfect way to end the festivities on the Square.
Walled City Market 11.00am – 5.30pm
The Walled City Market will return to the square offering a specialty retailing experience right in the heart of the city with a variety of foods, arts & crafts, gifts and more.
St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival Parade
2.30 – 3.30pm Carnival Parade
This year’s Spring Carnival Parade takes us on a Voyage of Discovery exploring our wild, wondrous and wacky universe! North West Carnival Initiative have been working with communities from throughout the City to create great journeys of imagination, taking us from the depths of the oceans through rainforests and jungle right to the edge of space.
For more information click here.
Carnival Route: Parade commences at Derry Council car park travelling towards the Strand Road turn left towards the City Hotel and moving along Queens Quay returning to the council car park.
Large crowds are expected to line the route so come early to avoid any disappointment.
Children’s Activities
To celebrate the Spring Carnival there will be a number of Family friendly activities during the day in and around the City Centre.
Click here for activities listings.
Ebrington Square & Peace Bridge
10am – 4.30pm : Ebrington Alive (Ilex & Blue Eagle Productions)
An exciting new piece of street theatre bringing the Ebrington Parade Ground back to life with characters including Amelia Earhart, Samuel Johnston and Jacobite Officer Colonel O’Neill. These performances which aim to bring the city and its history to life will be showing every Friday and Saturday throughout March.
Other Events 17th March
St Patrick’s Day 5km Road Race
Location: Gransha Grounds, 11am
Registration: 9.45am, U3A Sports Hall, Gransha Grounds
Race Starts: at 11am
Cost: £7 entry fee in aid of Foyle Hospice
Contact: Paula / Paul 07729628448 / 02871 372220
Refreshments available after race, Spot Prizes
Gasyard’s St Patricks Day Festivities
Time: 11.30am – 1.30pm
Arts & Crafts 0–4 – Surestart
Arts & Crafts 5+ – Mosaic Collage, St Patrick’s Day badges
There will also be traditional entertainment for all the family to enjoy with face painting, Céilí dancing, Irish dancing showcase, Leprechaun disco and Gaelic sports. Irish Stew will also be served.
Café Del Mondo, Craft Village
Time: From 12.00 noon
Traditional music sessions with George Murphy and a little taster Irish menu served throughout the day.
Irish Dancing
Location: Foyleside Shopping Centre
Time: 12.00 – 3pm
Pop into Foyleside and catch a glimpse of our Traditional Irish Dancing displays from two of the city’s dancing schools.
- 12 – 1pm McCloskey School of Dance
- 2 – 3pm Longtower School of Dance.
St Patrick’s Day shindig
Time: 11am – 3pm
Join the fun packed day for all the family. Face painting, traditional music and dance, competitions and games and traditional Irish menu on offer at Caifé Failte
Free Admission
Teach Céilí
Location: Céilí House
Time: 9.30pm
Were taking Céilí back to its roots – the ultimate Irish social event - an evening of traditional music and dance – all kinds of dance, céilí, sets, two-hand, old time!! There’s no better place to round off St. Patrick’s day, then here at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, the home of Irish Culture - join us for a great nights enjoyment.
Cost: £5 (incl supper)
Contact: Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin on 02871 264132,
Email: eolas@culturlann-doire.ie
City Of Derry Drama Festival
Location: Waterside Theatre
Time: 7.30pm
The City of Derry Drama festival closes with Droichead Nua Newbridge’s performance of The Good Father by Christian O’Reilly. A modern love story from the male perspective.
Tickets: £10 (Conc. £8)
Contact: 02871 314000